Has anyone heard, and have an opinion, on how the 1.5s sound with a solid state amplifier/receiver? I have my 1.5s hooked up to Pioneer SX-980 receiver recently overhauled by Ken Bernacky at Stereo Surgeons in Hartford, CT. Ken did an amazing job, and I really love the sound. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I auditioned and heard VMPS speakers that retailed for $4,000 and $15,000+, and I preferred the sound of my 1.5s even using my current set-up. I also auditioned some Maggies, but the 1.5s were just better. More recently, I listened to a pair of Definitive Technology BP7002 Bipolar Super Towers ($2,200). Once again, the 1.5s were the clear winner. Thanks.

Some of those old Pioneer receivers sounded pretty darn good, (ChrisK would tell you) I used the 1.5's with solid state amp everyday for a couple of years, I'd just have to guess that it would make a huge difference as to which SS amp was being used....just like tube amps, some are better than others.

I've been talking regularly with one of our customers that has had all kinds of different speakers in his room, some also very expensive, the room pretty much all hard surfaces was hard to tame, but he's loving the RL1.5's. When I was talking to him yesterday, he had just gotten a new set of Steve's speaker cables, the UPS man was delivering them while I was talking to him, he called me today and said he never would have thought cables could have made so much of a difference. This coming from a singer song writer that also produces albums for many different people. I had a pretty good bounce to my step the rest of the day.

That's great to hear. I know tube lovers are very committed, and I can understand why. My SS is a Pioneer SX-980 that has been completely overhauled by an outstanding tech, so I know it's in "like new" operating condition. I'm absolutely thrilled with the 1.5s, and have no intention to ever upgrade from them. I love the way they fill the room, and I don't think I could ever listen to a pair for forward firing speakers again. My next upgrade will probably be a subwoofer, but for now, it's all good. Many thanks Bob Z. for your thoughtful insight!

Just as a follow-up. I also have a Sansui TU-717 (Mint!) that Ken at Stereo Surgeons completely overhauled, and it sounds incredible through the 1.5s. Once I sell my house and move, I'm installing an outside antenna (probably Winegard HD6055P) with a rotor so I can spin it. I already have superb reception, but would love to take it to the next level!

Just started collecting a few big pieces of old Pioneer stuff and the SX-980 is really nice sounding. Maybe better than the SX-1280. The SX- xx50 series receivers are nice too. In my case getting this stuff is a matter of satisfying a old "itch" than good sound. Really there is just no satisfying all the audio wants and needs. If it aint about the money its about the space in your house. My wife is approaching "sainthood" with regard to what she has put up with in terms of audio gear. One thing is for sure big heavy a$$ shiny silver audio equipment (SS ) is almost as cool as a glowing "hearth" of vacuum tubes, but the Decware amps give a spaecial (pun and misspell intended) ingredient that is unbeatable.

Thanks Chris K. It's always good to hear feedback on these old "beasts." I'm actually quite surprised (yet pleased) to hear you think the 980 sounds better than the 1280. I'd love to know how you arrived at that conclusion, especially since I can't see myself shelling out $1,000+ for a 1280, plus another $500 to get it overhauled any time soon. I rarely pump more than 10 watts into my RL-1.5 speakers, and generally am listening at around 1 watt (sometimes less). There have been a couple of brief occasions where I've probably approached 50 watts, but at that point, the walls are shaking, and neither the amp nor the speakers bat an eyelash....they just SING loud and clear. Many thanks again.